By Michael Stetzler
2022 was a challenging year for our leadership. At the start of the year, COVID continued to prevent us from gathering in person. The child care center in our building closed and we learned we could not host a replacement without installing a costly sprinkler system. Many of us were exhausted from the isolation and strain of the pandemic.
In the face of these challenges, we continued our efforts to find ways in which we are called to “build the church and love the world”, which is our stated mission. We listened to each other, revisited our history, and considered how our community and the world around us are changing. As a result, we came up with new ways to describe our vision and the values that guide us
Our Vision
Thanks to the dedicated work of our visioning team and the willingness of our members to share with us, we have a new vision.
Our vision is for a vibrant community that seeks a transformational relationship with God, our neighbors, and one another, while responding authentically, creatively, and justly to the most compelling needs of our community.
Our Values
- We welcome all of God’s children through open doors to be in RELATIONSHIP with one another and with God in ever deepening ways.
- We respond with GENEROSITY to the world, reflecting the abundance of God’s love present in our lives and made available to all.
- CARING for each other, our neighbors, and all of God’s creation, we are inspired to offer genuine compassion and love.
- We nurture the FAITH given to each of us, listening for how God’s story informs our own and practicing our response.
- We are always LEARNING, remaining curious about God’s ever-changing world and our place within it.
How Will We Use Our Vision and Values?
These statements help us connect with each other by building a common understanding of what Prince of Peace is all about. That helps us tell others who we are as we build relationships with our neighbors. These statements will also help our leaders set priorities and make decisions. Every major decision we make can be tested to see if it fits with our vision and values.
- Are we creating relationships that are transformational? (Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…)
- Are we being authentic?
- Have we thought creatively about this decision?
- Will our actions contribute to greater justice?
- Are we responding to the most compelling needs?
- Which of our values is evident in the decision we are making?
2022 has been a “stress test” for us, and we have proven to be resilient. With God’s active presence we have found new avenues for discipleship, new ways to imagine the future, and renewed confidence To paraphrase Hebrews 11:1, I have confidence in what we hope for (our future) and assurance about what we do not see (the spirit moving among and through us).